Washington — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told lawmakers that Iran has agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear programme — a notable shift in Tehran’s position as the US-led conflict in the Middle East continues.
According to Beyond Time News, Rubio made the remarks before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — his first appearance since the outbreak of the Iran war — in a hearing dominated by questions over military escalation, diplomacy, and Washington’s broader Middle East strategy.
“They have agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear programme that just a month ago, just a year ago, they were refusing to even mention,” Rubio told lawmakers.
No Deal Guaranteed
Despite the tentative opening, Rubio was cautious. He said the negotiations were not a guarantee of a deal acceptable to Congress, adding that Iran’s unstable leadership had made talks increasingly difficult.
He also clarified that the Trump administration had not offered sanctions relief in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating that any easing of sanctions would depend on Tehran meeting conditions tied to its nuclear programme.
Optimism Fades Fast
According to Beyond Time News, optimism expressed by President Donald Trump last week over a potential deal with Tehran quickly faded after Iran suspended talks on Monday — in protest over Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon — further complicating already fragile negotiations.
Major unresolved issues remain, including sanctions relief, nuclear enrichment limits, and regional security guarantees. A ceasefire also remains under strain.
Congress Pushes Back
The hearing — held amid a tense debate over the State Department’s $36 billion budget request — saw lawmakers from both sides press the administration on military objectives, ceasefire enforcement, and the risk of wider regional escalation.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat, sharply criticised Rubio for failing to keep Congress informed, saying the administration only notified lawmakers of decisions already made. She also raised concerns over the depletion of US military stockpiles used in the Iran conflict.
Committee Chair James Risch noted growing unease among Republican lawmakers over limited congressional oversight of war-related decisions.
Disruption at the Hearing
Rubio’s arrival was met with brief disruption when protesters shouted slogans urging him to stop what they called the killing of Cubans. Security removed the demonstrators, while a small group outside was detained after continuing similar chants.
